Report of nitropatch explosions complicating defibrillation.

Reports of complications associated with the use of electrical defibrillators have been relatively rare. In two patients, defibrillation performed over a nitroglycerin skin patch resulted in electrical arcing with a resultant flash of light and thermal injuries. Skin burns as a complication of defibrillation over nitropatches has not been previously reported. Such burn injuries respond to standard therapeutic measures. Healthcare professionals who may perform defibrillation should be aware of this potential complication.